After graduation in 2019, Melena Schug pursued a Master of Arts in Music and Cultural History from University College Cork in Ireland. She now works as an elementary school music teacher with Smithfield Public Schools. She’s also member of the Rhode Island Music Educators Association’ General Music Council and the Engagement Committee for URI’s Women’s Leadership Council.

Q. How did your URI degree best prepare you for your career path?

A. My degree is a Bachelors of Music in Education. Academically, the courses completely aligned with the training and knowledge needed for a career as a successful music educator. What URI’s Music Department gave me that went beyond my degree was the ability to challenge myself through problem solving and leadership. Through the instruction of my professors, my musicianship and education skills advanced more each semester. Their guidance helped me gain the confidence to pursue a Masters of Arts in Music and Cultural History abroad at University College Cork in Ireland. My teachers at URI surpassed expectations by supporting my goals of growing and strengthening the fellowship of the music department. Each time I had an idea for a social event for our musicians, or community service opportunities for our students, the URI Music Department supported my plans and assisted me in making them a reality. The leadership and collaborative skills that I learned during my time at URI have become invaluable skills in my life after graduation.

In your opinion, what is the value of the arts both academically and in the community?

Academically, the arts are what teaches people that differences are acceptable, and even encouraged! What other field allows individuals to create completely distinguishable responses and have them both be equally correct and important? In our community, the arts are what connects us and drives us. The arts are the reasons we gather and celebrate our commonness and passions together.

What advice would you give to current students or to young people thinking of pursuing a Fine Arts degree?

You will never know until you try. (In other words: Go for it!!)